Does McDonald's add MSG to its national menu?
As of late 2024, McDonald's states that its national menu in the US does not contain added MSG. The company’s policy is to avoid adding MSG directly to its standard, permanent menu items, in line with its public messaging about food quality and sourcing. This was confirmed after a period of customer concern when a new chicken sandwich was being trialed in 2020 that explicitly listed MSG as an ingredient. Following those limited tests, McDonald's did not incorporate MSG into the final, nationwide recipe of its Crispy Chicken Sandwich.
The case of the Crispy Chicken Sandwich (2020 test)
In January 2020, news outlets reported that McDonald’s was testing a Crispy Chicken Sandwich that included MSG in specific test markets like Houston, Texas, and Knoxville, Tennessee. This was part of a larger effort to compete with popular chicken sandwiches from rivals like Chick-fil-A and Popeyes, which openly use MSG. This temporary addition of MSG was a regional marketing test and was not rolled out nationally. The company clarified that its national menu items did not contain MSG.
Are there other sources of glutamate at McDonald's?
While synthetic MSG is not on the national ingredient list, many McDonald's products contain ingredients with naturally occurring glutamate. The most notable of these is autolyzed yeast extract. This ingredient is a common flavor enhancer used to add a savory, umami taste to foods without being labeled as 'MSG'.
- Autolyzed Yeast Extract: Found in the seasoning for Chicken McNuggets, this ingredient is the result of breaking down yeast cells. The process naturally releases glutamates, which enhance flavor.
- Natural Flavors: Many menu items contain unspecified "natural flavors" from plant or animal sources, which can also contain naturally occurring glutamates.
- Other Ingredients: Processed items often include things like dried beef broth, spice extractives, and sauces that contain natural sources of glutamate.
The difference between added MSG and naturally occurring glutamates
It is important to understand the distinction between added MSG and naturally occurring glutamates. The FDA considers both chemically indistinguishable and metabolizes them in the same way. The primary difference from a consumer standpoint is the labeling requirement; food manufacturers must explicitly list 'monosodium glutamate' if it is added directly, but not if the glutamate comes from another ingredient like autolyzed yeast extract.
| Feature | Added MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) | Naturally Occurring Glutamates |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Produced by fermenting starch, sugar beets, or molasses. | Found naturally in foods like cheese, tomatoes, mushrooms, and yeast extract. |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Chemical Composition | The same as naturally occurring glutamate, but extracted and added. | Chemically identical to added MSG at a molecular level. |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Labeling | Must be listed explicitly as 'monosodium glutamate' on ingredient lists. | Food labels do not need to identify the natural glutamates derived from ingredients like yeast extract. |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Controversy | Historically controversial due to anecdotal reports and early, flawed studies, but deemed safe by the FDA. | Generally not controversial, as they are part of a whole food. |
Why the concern over MSG? Debunking the myths
The controversy surrounding MSG dates back to the 1960s, fueled by unsubstantiated reports of a condition once called "Chinese restaurant syndrome". However, extensive research and regulatory bodies like the FDA have since deemed MSG safe for consumption. Scientific studies have largely debunked the link between MSG in typical dietary amounts and adverse health effects for the vast majority of the population. It is important to note that a small percentage of people may have a sensitivity, experiencing mild, temporary symptoms.
McDonald's ingredient transparency and policy
McDonald's maintains an ingredient transparency policy, providing detailed information on their website for customers to review. They highlight their commitment to using quality ingredients and removing artificial preservatives from many items. The company's stance on MSG for its national US menu aligns with this approach, opting to use other flavor-enhancing components instead of synthetic MSG.
Conclusion
While a 2020 trial briefly included MSG in a new chicken sandwich in specific US markets, McDonald's does not use added MSG in products on its current national menu. However, customers should be aware that many popular items, such as Chicken McNuggets, contain autolyzed yeast extract, which is a source of naturally occurring glutamates. For those concerned about MSG or its natural counterparts, reviewing the detailed ingredient information available on the McDonald's website is the most reliable method for making informed dietary choices. Concerns over MSG's safety have been largely dispelled by health authorities like the FDA, who recognize it as generally safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does McDonald's use MSG in their World Famous Fries? A: No, the ingredient list for McDonald's World Famous Fries in the US does not include added MSG. The seasoning primarily consists of salt.
Q: Do Chicken McNuggets contain MSG? A: While Chicken McNuggets do not contain added monosodium glutamate (MSG), their seasoning includes autolyzed yeast extract, which contains naturally occurring glutamates.
Q: Did McDonald's ever use MSG in its US menu? A: In early 2020, McDonald's tested a Crispy Chicken Sandwich containing MSG in select US markets. However, the company confirmed that no MSG is used in products on its national menu.
Q: What is the difference between MSG and autolyzed yeast extract? A: MSG is a purified flavor additive, whereas autolyzed yeast extract is a processed food ingredient derived from yeast that naturally contains glutamates. Both are used to create a savory, umami taste.
Q: Is MSG dangerous? A: No, the FDA and other health organizations consider MSG to be "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). While some people may report sensitivities, this affects a very small portion of the population and has been largely debunked by modern research.
Q: How can I check for MSG in McDonald's products? A: The official McDonald's USA website provides detailed ingredient information for all national menu items. If 'monosodium glutamate' is explicitly listed, it is present. You can also look for ingredients like autolyzed yeast extract, yeast extract, or hydrolyzed vegetable protein, which contain naturally occurring glutamates.
Q: What is McDonald's official stance on MSG? A: McDonald's officially states that products on its national menu do not use added MSG. The company emphasizes its use of quality ingredients and ingredient transparency.
